Authorities in the Eastern Cape have confirmed a devastating road accident in Kariega, South Africa, where seven people were killed and several others injured in a collision involving a minibus taxi and a bus.
According to the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, the tragedy occurred on a busy Monday morning when a fully loaded minibus taxi, reportedly transporting workers from KwaNobuhle toward Kariega, attempted a U-turn directly in front of an oncoming bus. The bus, which had only the driver on board at the time, was unable to avoid the vehicle, resulting in a violent impact on the passenger side of the taxi.
Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after the crash. First responders, including paramedics, traffic officials, and law enforcement, worked urgently to assist survivors and secure the area. Despite these efforts, seven occupants of the taxi were declared dead at the scene, while at least 18 others sustained injuries ranging from serious to moderate and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Officials have described the crash as deeply tragic and confirmed that a full investigation is underway to establish the exact sequence of events and contributing factors. Early indications suggest that the taxi’s attempted U-turn played a central role in the collision, though authorities have emphasized that all circumstances will be thoroughly examined before final conclusions are reached.
The Eastern Cape Transport Department has urged all road users to exercise extreme caution, particularly on high-traffic routes where public transport vehicles operate frequently. Officials also extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a full and speedy recovery.
This incident adds to ongoing concerns about road safety in South Africa, where collisions involving minibus taxis and heavy vehicles continue to account for a significant number of fatalities each year. Authorities have repeatedly called for stricter compliance with traffic laws and improved driver awareness to prevent avoidable tragedies.
As investigations continue, the community of Kariega remains in shock, mourning the sudden loss of lives and hoping for accountability and healing in the aftermath of this heartbreaking crash.